PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠⁠⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sit down Thomas McCollum for a fact based discussion around addiction, recovery, harm-reduction and the addiction crisis.

Thomas McCollum is a passionate advocate for recovery, punk rock enthusiast, and the Executive Director of Discovery Place, a 12-step spiritual retreat for men in Burns, TN. With over nine years of experience in the recovery field, Thomas brings a unique perspective, having walked a similar path. Before dedicating his life to helping others, he spent twenty years in active addiction, eventually becoming an IV heroin user. 

After finding sobriety at Discovery Place nine and a half years ago, Thomas has built a fulfilling life as a husband, father, and community leader. He is grateful for the opportunity to share his experiences and support others on their journeys to recovery. Thomas, Flindt and Jason discuss the following and more. Intro 00:00 RFK & Russel Brand Stopped By Discovery Place 02:29 What is Thomas' history of addiction recovery? 04:15 How did Covid-19 effect family support meetings around the country? 12:43 What are the potential health risks of medication assisted harm-reduction? 23:00 Why is it vital to address underlying issues to achieve lasting sobriety? 37:00 What is the difference between a slipup and a relapse? 44:30 What is Discovery Place, and how are the staff helping many people recover from addiction? 53:41 For more on the Granville Home Of Hope: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gvhomeofhope.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ or call our office at 559-579-1551

For more on Discovery Place: ⁠https://discoveryplace.info/⁠ For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sit down Charlotte Bismuth the author of Killer in a White Coat: The True Story of New York's Deadliest Pill Pusher and the Team that Brought Him to Justice.

Charlotte served as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan for seven years. Assigned to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (“OSNP”), she launched an investigation into the illegal prescription sales of a Queens physician. In partnership with two legendary veterans of the office, Senior Investigator Joe Hall and Special Assistant District Attorney Peter Kougasian, as well as other devoted professionals, Ms. Bismuth steered the Li case from a civilian tip into a three-year investigation, culminating in two grand jury proceedings and a four-month trial in 2004. The case resulted in a landmark conviction, as Dr. Li was the first physician in New York State to be charged and convicted for the overdose deaths of his patients. In 2014, after the Li trial, Ms. Bismuth served as the OSNP’s Director of Training. Ms. Bismuth left the practice of law at the end of 2015 to spend time with her family and publish a book, now available in paperback from Simon & Schuster: "Killer in a White Coat: The True Story of New York's Deadliest Pill Pusher and the Team that Brought Him to Justice."Ms. Bismuth works with the families of overdose victims to educate the public about the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy, and co-hosts the podcast "Bankruptcy for Billionaires." In 2021, she co-authored an article with PCE entitled “Seeking Justice and Solutions: A Prosecutor’s Guide to Opioid Overdose Investigations." She is honored to serve on the Opioid Industry Archive's National Advisory Committee. Charlotte, Flindt and Jason discuss the following and more. Intro 00:00 Did we learn anything from the opioid crisis? 01:40 What is the overdose fatality initiative? 07:40 Why should we highlight the work that has been done in helping suffering addicts? 16:00 What types of things can trigger a recovering addicts thoughts of use? 26:30 Who are some of those in Charlottes book that were most effected by the opioid crisis? 36:16 Is Europe being targeted by opioid producing pharmaceutical companies like the USA is? 45:00 Are medical doctors gaining a greater understanding of addiction? 56:37 For more on the Granville Home Of Hope: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gvhomeofhope.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ or call our office at 559-579-1551

For more on Charlotte and her writing: www.charlottebismuth.com For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN ( @painnonprofit ) Parents & Addicts in Need’s⁠⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sat down with Dino Miliotis.

Dino is a celebrated entrepreneur known for his innovative spirit and impactful message of hope. He gained prominence for creating Bug-Ban, an all-natural insect repelling bracelet, which he launched in Chicago in 1996. His entrepreneurial success has been featured on Oprah, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and People Magazine.

Miliotis's personal journey includes overcoming a more than 20-year battle with alcohol and substance use. He shares his story and road to recovery in his memoir, “There Is No Box” advocating for recovery and supporting others facing similar challenges.

Currently, he serves as a spokesman for OpiAID, a data science company leveraging AI to tackle the opioid epidemic. Renowned for his advocacy and speaking engagements, Miliotis is considered one of the leading recovery speakers in America, embodying his mantra of changing the world one person at a time.

For more on Dino Miliotis https://bookdinonow.com/

For more on OpiAID https://opiaid.ai/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Intro 00:00

How can we help the loved ones of a a suffering addict understand addiction more? 02:17

Why is it so important for an addict to get the help they need immediately when they know they want the help? 08:43

Why is it so important for the family of a recovering addict to also seek help within the recovery community? 12:37

How is the flood of fentanyl into the US intentional and who is behind it? 24:26

What is Dino's personal experience with MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) ? 29:00

Overdose rates may be down, but does that mean addiction rates are as well ? 39:00

What is the OpiAID technology and how is it going to revolutionize the way people recovery from addiction? 57:00

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit  

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Dai Manuel. We discuss integrity and its value in mastery of self, communicating with you children about the dangers of substance use with the fentanyl crisis, steps he took for personal change in his sober journey to establish trust and connectivity with his family. As well as lots of laughs.   

Dai speaks openly about early on in his adult life, Dai started to mask his insecurities and anxieties with alcohol, and this led to dramatic mood swings and personality traits that he didn't like.  It went from a socially fun thing to actually try to escape his emotions that he couldn't deal with sober.  This started a destructive path that eventually started to get out of hand.  

One of the lowest points in his life was coming home after drinking way too much, waking up late and his wife asked him "Are you being the kind of man your daughters want to marry?"  That was the turning point for Dai, and since that day, he hasn't had a drink.  Now, Dai is living his best life.  He's found clarity, faith, and purpose in his life that he didn't have before.  He hasn't had a drink in over 11 years.  He quit his oppressive job of 17 years and now travels the world with his wife and kids.  He does his work online now and finds it makes more time for his family as well as his sanity.  

For more on Dai please visit https://www.daimanuel.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Love and Light Founder Sandra Lee RN. Sandra went through a hard time in her life struggling with PTSD, leading to an addiction. When she stepped out of that dark time and began recovery, she found a life coaching challenge that changed her life. Sandra joined the coaching group and gained a supportive family. When Sandra regained HOPE again her love for helping people and saving lives was reignited.

Sandra shared her dream of founding a non-profit organization. Her coaching family was inspired by her journey and joined her as supporters, volunteers, co-founders, and directors of her board. They cheered Sandra on every step of the way supporting her recovery journey as well as the journey of building the organization.

Sandra began making shirts in her friend’s garage and sending them out to people that supported her. Recovery is a harrowing journey; every time Sandra wanted to quit or give up on herself, she saw a yellow shirt or her hashtag on social media. That visible support is what kept Sandra going.

That became the birth of the Light it up project which has saved multiple lives. It took Sandra around two years to build everything and put everything together for the non-profit as she was also healing and growing in her recovery journey. Sandra gained many supporters along the way, gathered partners, and kept building because she believed in the dream, and had hope and faith that one day Love and Light to the World would help people and save lives.

For more on Sandra Lee

https://www.loveandlighttotheworld.org/

https://www.sandraleespeaks.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow us on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Baylor University graduate and award-winning 10-year veteran of the NFL who crawled on his hands and knees into treatment for an opioid addiction that developed while treating career-related injuries Randy Grimes. Randy spent 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We wanted to speak with Randy who recently published his autobiography Off Center, and is the founder of Pro Athletes in Recovery. Randy Grimes played in the era of the NFL in which he quickly learned one important truth as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top draft pick: play through pain, or get cut.

In his professional career, football turned into a job.  The skill level increased dramatically in the NFL.  He first signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a second-round draft pick.  One of the main unspoken rules of the game was to do anything necessary to get back out on the field.  That turned into taking handfuls of pain pills at practice, eventually turning into a full-blown addiction.  He was also taking handfuls of Benzo’s at night, to make him sleep.

His prescription medication use eventually started to get out of control.  No one would question why he was slurring his speech, showing up late, and nodding off during meetings. He did his own research, and it turned out it was linked to the Benzo’s he was taking to go to sleep.  He knew he had a problem, but didn’t know how to deal with it.  His professional career ended in ’92 and was an unexpected and abrupt end to what he thought was going to be a lifetime career.  This compounded his addiction dramatically throughout the next decade.

He didn’t really fully deal with this issue until 18 years later, in 2009.  His wife moved out, his kids couldn’t stand him and was barred from seeing his newly born grandchild, because of his addiction.  He was sleeping on the floor of his vacant house with no utilities, no job, no car, no money.  This was the rock bottom that he built back up from.  He got into 90-day treatment on September 22nd, 2009.

Since then, he has focused on getting his story out there in hopes of changing other people’s lives for the better. Back when Randy was active in the NFL, there were no resources for addiction and treatment.   Because of this, Randy founded Athletes in Recovery, which focuses on other professional athletes that are struggling through the same things. Even through all the hardships, problems, and major championships during his stint in the NFL, tackling recovery was the toughest battle of his life.

For more on Randy Grimes

https://randygrimesspeaks.com/

https://proathletesinrecovery.org/

https://offcenterthebook.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Mark Gantt. We wanted to speak with Mark about not only his substance addiction recovery but also finding Debtors Anonymous. Mark is married to former Don’t Hide The Scars guest Brianne Davis who is in recovery from Sex and Love Addict and how their recovery has helped in parenting their son & improved relationship communication.

Mark Gantt - Whether he’s working on commercial or branded films, award-winning director Mark Gantt is in the business of authentic, creative visual experiences. With a diverse, 20-year career in the industry, he has learned the company from the ground up and had the good fortune of collaborating with top directors, including Steven Soderbergh, David O. Russell, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez.

Mark is A multi-medium visual and performance artist, Mark integrates his talents as a painter, photographer, actor, and graphic artist into each production’s look and style. He utilizes technical expertise, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine love of storytelling to transform words from concepts into visual realities.

As one of the early pioneers of the digital era, Mark is best known for co-creating, writing, producing, and starring in Crackle’s groundbreaking, Streamy award-winning series, The Bannen Way. Mark’s feature directorial debut, Murder In Mexico, was based on the actual events of Bruce Beresford-Redman and premiered on Lifetime. Last year, he directed Model Citizen and The Surrogate, both premiered on Lifetime in 2020.

For two years running, Mark has created successful spots for ESPN and Nissan’s Heisman House campaign and popular and effective branded campaigns for GMC, AOL, Capital One, Kohl's, Fox, and Lifetime.

As a writer, Mark’s Audible Original True Crime books, Injustice Collector and Contra Costa, are available now. He is currently pitching two tv-series with his wife, actress, writer, and director, Brianne Davis. The two produce the popular personal journals podcast, Secret Life. They live in Los Angeles with their son Davis.

For More On Mark Gantt and the Secret Life Podcast: https://secretlifepodcast.com

Mark Gantt Website: https://markgantt.com

IG/Twitter: https://instagram.com/markgantt | https://twitter.com/markgantt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmarkgantt

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Toni Becker. We wanted to speak with Toni, who lives in South Africa if there are any similar issues that she faces in helping families with the recovering addict. This area has become a great passion for her as she is now over 10 years sober. 

Growing up, Toni Becker felt intimidated by her family. They were all so beautiful, and Toni felt the pressure to live up to those standards. She always felt like the black sheep & this led to her body dysmorphia & eating disorders early on in her life.

Things started getting out of control in high school, where she felt pressured by her classmates and the media for encouraging the super-thin supermodel look of the early 2000s. She was young & seeking attention, and this naivety fueled her desire to look attractive at all costs. She thought that she could control it, but quickly she realized she couldn't & needed help.

In college, she started experimenting with meth and a drug called "cat" After trying to run her friends over & ending up on a golf course, she went into rehab for the first time. She thought she had it handled, but her father knew she wouldn't commit. He sent her to a real rehab, where she couldn't leave, and finally accepted it and got some help. She lived in a halfway house, and a sober living facility for 2 years, and this really helped her stay sober. Now, she's become a sponsor herself & is taking it one day at a time, wanting to share her story to help others.

She realized one day while getting coffee with her friends, "Why don't we start a YouTube channel & share our stories?" And since then, she has been on a mission to destigmatize anorexia, body dysmorphia, bulimia & all the disorders associated with it. She wants to start a discussion & get help for whoever may need it.

For more on Toni Becker visit

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Toniquinne

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/toniquinne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniquinne/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toniquinne

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Skinny Vinny Imperati. Known for his work on America's Got Talent, working with Steve-O of Jackass Fame, Our Show, Your Stunts with Zackass and many other great projects.

Skinny Vinny Imperati opens up about his traumatic childhood, which began with losing his father, who was hit and killed on his motorcycle. His relationship with his mother who struggled with addiction and still uses methadone. As well as his family history of addiction. 

Skinny Vinny started using marijuana and eventually sold it to generate an income. Finally, he began to go down a dark road that led him to use the gambit of substances. After a dentist visit that caused a significant amount of pain, a friend gave him his first opioid.  Vinny was hooked and that took him from prescription medication to snorting heroin and quickly moved to shooting up heroin.  During one of his lowest points of addiction, Vinny shares how he was homeless and living in a Porta-Potty for over two years. During times of hard weather, he would use the water and snow that accumulated below the Porta-Potty to mix with his heroin so that he could shoot up.

Vinny would eventually hit his rock bottom and seek the help he needed for sobriety to stick finally. After spending time in a sober living facility, Vinny went on to be in charge of the facility that he lived in. However, he knew he needed to pursue his passion for videography. Vinny has gone on to work and developed close friendships with the likes of Steve-O, Bam Margera, Dalton Dern, Zackass, and many others from the skate community. Now a champion for sobriety and substance abuse prevention, this is Skinny Vinny Imperati.

For more on Skinny Vinny and all of his projects including Your Pranks, Our Show: 

https://www.instagram.com/skinnyvinny/  

https://twitter.com/imperativinny

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Your+Pranks%2C+Our+Show

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno Police Officer Dino Cee Head of F.O.R.T Fentanyl Overdose Response Team 

We here at PAIN wanted to get first-hand knowledge from those in law enforcement on the most significant challenges they're with not only the Fentanyl Crisis in the Central Valley but what actions are being taken to raise awareness and educate the general public.

Lisa Smittcamp brought fantastic insight and perspective on what is actually occurring with laws preventing prosecution of drug dealers as well as her perspective on things we can do in our own homes and communities to lessen the effects of these perpetrators that target our youth with illegal substances. 

Dino Cee of the Fresno Police Department F.O.R.T (Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team) division.  Dino shares how Fresno has become the nationwide model for tackling this crisis and that there is more to come. As he is traveling around the country sharing his knowledge and empowering other law enforcement officers with tactics to combat the deadly impact that Fentynal is having on the United States Of America.  

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Thomas Figlioli the author of 'That's What Junkies Do'. We talked about Thomas' troubled home life and how that led him down a path of addiction.

It started with stealing cigarettes from his cousin and drinking to mask his insecurities and so he could talk with girls & other friends. He quit his hockey team because he just wanted to drink & hang out. In college, he was a smart student, but didn't go to class, and used his parent’s divorce as a reason for not going. He was given a deal to get a 3.4 GPA and eventually graduated with the Dean's Scholarship helping him along the way. After college, he got a job as a bartender at an Irish Pub in his New York neighborhood. He eventually got an additional job offer to be a 'bookie', gambling and keeping track of bets.

One night, he decides to try ecstasy and ends up doing it 7 times that same night. After that, he started using cocaine as well. This quickly spiraled out of control by taking up to an 8-ball of coke every night, leading to various issues including DT shakes. His aunt told him his skin was gray and he realized he had to see a doctor. After a quick stint with prescription drugs, he was admitted to a psych ward. He started going to AA meetings in his hospital. It helped at first but didn't really connect with him fully at the time. Soon after, he was back on the streets using drugs again, but this time he almost committed suicide. He was smoking crack, collecting cans, and using heroin every day. He finally reached out for help and was able to seriously and earnestly commit to rehab. He would do well for a while, but got addicted to Vicodin for another 8 years, and went into rehab again for the 3rd time.

Thomas was always a fan of memoirs, mafia stories & real-life depictions of actual events put into writing. When Thomas got out of his most recent treatment, his mentor told him to put it all down... describing how his life was now & how it used to be manageable before alcohol and drugs came into the picture. It sparked something in him & inspired him to speak at meetings and get more involved in the recovery process by sharing his story. At the time, He was working on a garbage truck in New York and shared one of his stories with a co-worker, who inspired him to become an author. 3 years later, his first book "That's What Junkies Do" was officially published.

For more on his book and to follow Thomas Figlioli  on social media go to https://linktr.ee/TommyFigs

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Dr. Robb Kelly. We talked with Dr. Robb about his own addiction due to the various traumas that he endured in his youth and the consequences of his addiction and how he turned them into his greatest advantage. Now one of the premier addiction recovery specialists in the world.

Dr. Robb specializes now in taking people out of the trauma, the darkness, and the depression of addiction and alcoholism, to show them that they can have that drive and ambition to follow their dreams. Dr. Robb shared many of the techniques that lead to positive results. Insight into how we all can change our neuropathways, change the way we think about ourselves, and use our traumas as a gift to be of service to others. This includes positive self-talk, and how we can exchange positivity through our body language. As Dr. Robb Kelly says, "Success is for everyone".

Dr. Robb Kelly: Gateway to Addiction: Trauma

Facebook Event https://fb.me/e/3EKynxu8K

For more on Dr. Robb Kelly

https://robbkelly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/robbkellyrecoverygroup

https://twitter.com/robbkellygroup

PAIN ( @painnonprofit ) Parents & Addicts in Need’s⁠⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sat down with addiction recovery and mental health advocate Tim Lodgen to discuss his personal experience of co-occurring disorders and pushing through adverse times in sobriety and not pick up any substances no matter what. What does it mean when life is happening for you and not to you? 01:17 How did Tim facing the "worst times" of his life prove that he didn't have to drink or drug to cope and preserver? 02:57 How is laughter and a sense of humor valuable in addiction recovery? 08:13 What are some of the biggest misunderstandings about addiction and cooccurring disorders? 11:50 How can we identify addictive behaviors in our recovery? 23:39

For more on Tim Lodgen https://www.instagram.com/tlodgen/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Matt Ganem. We discuss how Matt educates his two children on the risks of substance use as a former addict himself. We also talk with Matt about the fentanyl crisis, the rise in alcoholism post covid lockdown, and the challenges that addiction treatment facilities face with the current state of insurance and legislation.

Matt Ganem is a true inspiration, from being a troubled youth, experimenting with alcohol and drugs at a young age. Matt was on the verge of death, in constant trouble with the law, and losing friends to drug use. This led Matt to a life of recovery, finding his voice through poetry and music as well as becoming a dedicated father of two. Matt is now the owner of the Aftermath Treatment Center helping others achieve sobriety while being an addiction recovery leader in his community and resource to all.

For more on Matt Ganem and Aftermath Treatment Center

https://www.facebook.com/MattGanemPoet

http://www.iamnotanonymous.org/matthew

https://www.instagram.com/mattganem_poet

https://aftermathtreatmentcenter.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with author, Tedx Speaker, addiction and mental health advocate Randy Haveson.

Randy Haveson had a childhood that was better than most, coming from a wealthy family who invested in real estate. As a teenager, he had everything he could ever want growing up, he even got a new car for his 16th birthday.  He had disposable money, so he started buying expensive drugs like cocaine & quaaludes at the age of 17. He says that it would make him feel normal, that it would actually help him with his severe ADD. Eventually, he would become a full-blown addict, spending thousands of dollars every month on his habit.

He got fired from his pizza delivery job.  He got kicked out of college. He was drinking heavily, doing cocaine, mushrooms, quaaludes, and marijuana in excess. He ended up even more depressed, and started to contemplate suicide. When he was 24, he held a knife in his hand and was contemplating how to cut himself to get it over with.  He looked at himself in the mirror and realized that he needed help. He called a suicide hotline, the person he talked to inspired him, and was able to start his road to recovery. He went back to college and got his master's in counseling. He starting working in treatment centers and started building his private practice.

Randy is all about dissolving the ego & raising your self-esteem. In his TED talks, he makes the point to differentiate between “Ego” and “Self-Esteem”, noting that ego is everything outside of us, and self-esteem is everything inside of us.  Cocky vs. Confident. We need to nurture our self-esteem more and forget about the ego. He says “Ego’s turn hurdles into walls”, basically meaning that your ego will make whatever problem you have 10 times worse than it has to be. Another point he says is a major life-changing thing, is to eliminate “Can’t”, “Try” and “Should” from your vocabulary. These words are self-defeating, and procrastinate what you should be doing today.  He now looks at every day as a gift, to be grateful for what you have and what you are able to do to give back. Treat yourself like your best friend, and let yourself be human, no one is perfect.

Now Randy has his own daughter, who is now 16 years old. He suggests when talking to your kids about drugs, talk about the behavior and consequences of your past.  He makes the point about saying you are disappointed, instead of angry at them. He didn’t immediately punish her when he caught her, instead, he threatened to take something like driving privileges away if he caught her again.  He is now a public speaker & author of the self-help books “Party with A Plan” and “The Ego Cleanse: Becoming Your Own Best Friend”. Make sure to check out www.randyspeaks.com for all his resources.

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Jerome Piper. Growing up in Bakersfield, California Jerome experienced trauma with domestic abuse in his family, not having a father growing up, and trying to avoid the gang lifestyle that was prevalent in his neighborhood.  He saw a lot of the people he knew in & out of jail and wanted no part of that.  He found refuge in sports and was able to focus his energy and after-school time on something productive.

Jerome eventually went to the College of Sequoias to play football.  This is when the partying lifestyle started to take shape in his life.  He felt the peer pressure of his friends to do all kinds of drugs.  He tried cocaine & ecstasy for the first time, drank heavily, and partied every week.  They partied so much, that they even went to Las Vegas 8 times in one month.  He eventually started smoking crack, PCP, and even meth.  It quickly spiraled out of control before he could get a hold of his addiction.  The police even raided his grandparents' house, and this was a huge wake-up call for him.

Jerome was arrested at one point, and this really shook him up.  Also, when his third child, his youngest daughter was born this was a major turning point for him. They gave him the ultimatum of choosing his daughter or choosing the drugs.  He chose his daughter.  All this time he was going to school to be a teacher, and he came to a crossroads in his lifestyle, where it eventually caught up with him and his health and realized he needed help.  He relapsed many times, and shifted careers many times, but eventually regained his stability.  The facility that ended up helping him stay sober was the Sierra Vista Ebony Counseling center.  His counselor inspired him to start a new career helping others.

Jerome decided to start studying drug and addiction counseling.  Now, at this stage in his life, Jerome wants to be of service to the community.  He currently holds the title of Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) under the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs, and he is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  Now his goal is to reach kids as early as possible in their lives so that they get a chance to grow and develop their minds without the hindrance of drugs or alcohol.  He will go out of his way to help kids who can’t afford his services and give them his personal cell which he says he will answer at any time of the day or night, to help these kids.

For more on Jerome Piper https://aspirecounselingservice.com/fresno-program-staff/

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Arlina Allen to discuss the impact of early childhood trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle. Arlina was sexually abused at a very young age which led her to feel a sense of self-hatred and a desire to escape her feelings. At the age of 8, she took her first drink, thus starting her battle with substance abuse and addiction.

In Arlina's 20's, it took her 2 years of experimenting, research, about 1,000 self-help books, and lots and lots of pain and frustration, but the undeniable answer was she was an addict. In her words "If it was in a bottle, a bag, or blue jeans, I was doin' it!"

In sobriety, Arlina found a new freedom and a new happiness. The woman she is today is unrecognizable from the young scared girl who was so lost and hopeless. She has been with the love of her life since 1994. They have two amazing sons who have never seen her loaded. She has a wealth of friends and has had a successful career in High Tech Sales for the biggest companies in Silicon Valley. Now, with almost 30 years sober Arlina is a life and self-esteem coach and host of the One Day At A Time podcast.

For more on Arlina www.soberlifeschool.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discussed generation addiction, trauma, and mental health issues with addiction recovery advocate Tim Lodgen.

Growing up in Maryland, Tim Lodgen started skateboarding with the local up & coming pros like Brandon Novak & Bucky Lasek. He started drinking often in high school, and eventually, he went down the road of alcoholism & drug use. When Tim joined the marines, it really made the drinking worse. Tim thought he had it under control, he would drink while holding down a job, and this justified it in his mind.

Now, Tim is in the best place he's ever been in life. He's taking his medication for his bipolar disorder and is able to process & deal with his emotions in a healthy way. During his sobriety Tim has been able to make amends with his family, reconnecting with those that matter most. As well he has unraveled his family lineage of addiction and mental health disorders, gaining a greater understanding of self.

A passionate and outspoke speaker Tim encourages others to recover out loud. He takes everything one day at a time and hopes sharing his story encourages others to never let go of hope.

For more on Tim Lodgen below:

www.instagram.com/tlodgen

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Entertainment Manager, Recovery Advocate Chris Contopulos joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss Chris confronting addiction at the age of 21 for his family, his relapse 16 years later, and how his sobriety now is different as it is for him.

Chris shares how he was adopted at a very young age, leading him to abandonment issues that he never confronted. Chris has worked in entertainment management for a long time and remained sober in a business often surrounded by substance abuse. Chris was able to build a solid career and a family including a wife and children.

With unresolved issues from his childhood trauma and other unconfronted issues, Chris returned to abusing substances. His family fell apart as well as his career. With his adoptive family cut off contact, the passing of his adoptive mom, and subsequent divorce.

Now rebuilding his life, Chris has a newfound approach and strength in his recovery, speaking publicly, to be of service to others hoping that he can help prevent others from going down a similar path. Chris remains focused on being the best father possible, a mentor and example that those in recovery can and will find redemption if they do the work.

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Author of The Chris Farley Show, Recovery Addiction Advocate Tom Farley joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss Tom’s brother, Chris Farley, confronting addiction and the work that it takes to see positive change in your life.

Tom shares hilarious and relatable stories of his childhood, meeting Paul McCartney, and how he finally found sobriety from support groups. In 2008 he co-authored the New York Times bestselling book, The Chris Farley Show, a Biography in Three Acts, which received national media attention and wide critical acclaim.

From a family that used humor to cope with many situations and how that may have played into his brothers and his own inability to navigate challenges, as well as developing new ways of inspiring others as a public speaker.

For more on Tom Farley below:

www.instagram.com/tomfarley2/

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Dr. Jerry Jacobson, MD is an Emergency Medicine Specialist in Visalia, CA, and has over 39 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Roy J Lucille A Carver College Of Medicine At the University Of Iowa medical school in 1983. Dr. Jacobson is board certified in Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Jacobson shares his story not only from the standpoint of a medical professional but that from a parent who lost his son Travis to a fentanyl overdose.

Travis Jacobson was excited about an upcoming job interview. Recently graduated from Sacramento State University, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his best friend Landon and launch a career in public relations. Sadly, Travis never made it to that interview.

Wanting a good night’s sleep beforehand, he took a Xanax pill that turned out to be a fake made with fentanyl, and it took his life.

Travis had grown up in Visalia, CA, where he was an energetic, intensely social, inquisitive child who played a variety of sports. He was well known for his loyalty, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Hardworking and enthusiastic, he was heavily involved in high school clubs and sports. According to his father, Dr. Jerry Jacobson, he went out of his way to be “kind, engaging and patient with senior relatives, younger relatives, neighbors.” “Travis had such a sweet disposition,” his aunt Nancy told us. “He was so respectful of others, two qualities hard to find among young people.” His friends Landon and Sydney found him charming and outstandingly friendly.

Travis had spent the weekend before the interview in Visalia visiting his mother, Carolyn Britten. He studied for a Salesforce certificate, worked out, and played pool with his mom, who made him his favorite food. He even got up early to work out with the high school water polo team.

Wanting to be relaxed and alert for the interview, Travis purchased Xanax from a high school acquaintance. Back in L.A. on August 13, 2019, Travis had dinner and gave his other flatmate one of the Xanax before he went to bed. Travis’s roommate went to work the next morning, only to come home to make the horrible discovery that evening that Travis was dead.

Carolyn thought it was a terrible, sick joke when she received the call that her only child was dead. It seemed impossible that such a loving son and loyal friend, “so full of life, so kind, so fun,” as his mother and father described him, could have died so unexpectedly. But Jerry, an Emergency Medicine doctor, suspected that the Xanax must have been laced with something—probably fentanyl. Two months later the family received Travis’s toxicology report, which showed small amounts of alcohol, ibuprofen, Xanax, and a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Though Travis’s life was cut brutally short, there is no way to pursue legal justice for his death. The police declared it an accidental overdose, closed the case, and disposed of the remaining pills. Said his sister Delaney, “I lost my brother two weeks before my wedding day. He was meant to sit next to me on the happiest day of my life. The void I feel from this incredible man and brother will forever live within me.”

Travis’s parents want everyone to know the risks of purchasing counterfeit medicine. At the end of Travis’s memorial service, Jerry beseeched the mourners to share Travis’s tragedy as a warning to others, “If you buy a drug that someone says is Xanax, you have no idea what it is . . . A lot of times these drugs are mixed in somebody’s house . . . there’s no testing and no standards.” He asked everyone to share information about counterfeit fentanyl pills and other street drugs. “Our dream, our vision, is to prevent this from happening to anyone again—to any of you, any of our friends.”

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Author of Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex and Love Addict, Actress, and host of the Secret Life Podcast Brianne Davis joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss what exactly sex and love addiction are, how it is more rampant than society wants to accept as well as Branne's journey to sober living, intimacy, and building a loving family with husband Mark Gantt and son Davis. 

From bringing compelling characters to life on screen as an actor, calling the shots behind the scenes as a director and producer, lending her thoughts and opinions to the podcast airwaves, and even penning her debut literary work, Brianne Davis has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerhouse female creative in 2021.

In film and television, Brianne most recently starred on the History Channel’s “Six.” Additional TV credits include Netflix's “Lucifer,” Hulu’s “Casual,” and HBO’s “True Blood.” Brianne’s first lead role in a film came in 2005 with the blockbuster hit “Jarhead” starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. She also starred in the horror film “Prom Night.”

Thriving behind the camera, as much as in front, under her production company Give & Take Productions, Brianne has produced three films while also directing “The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story” and “Deadly Signal.”

With over 12 years of recovery as a Sex and Love Addict, Brianne hosts the popular personal journal podcast “Secret Life.” The podcast launched in August 2020 and features inspiring true confessions from an eclectic group of guests, unpacking a plethora of taboo topics. Brianne’s latest venture in the “Secret Life” brand is her debut novel, “Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict,” which instantly hit the best-sellers list on Amazon earlier this year.

She is a renowned sober coach in addiction recovery. She has spoken on over 175 podcasts and television shows, including The Doctors, The Daily Blast, and many more as an advocate for creating awareness of the deadly disease of sex and love addiction. She has also penned several articles on the subject for Cosmopolitan UK, Daily Beast, HuffPost, and The Drill. She is currently in rewrites for the follow-up novel of the Secret Life series and developing it as a tv series.

Brianne currently resides in the Los Angeles area with her husband Mark Gantt and son, Davis. 

Here is all my info below:

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2MjsjvL\

Website:  https://secretlifenovel.com 

Gregg Champion joins Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast to discuss working in the addiction recovery field, with an emphasis on parents of those in recovery.  They discuss establishing boundaries with the child addict as well as the actual time needed from detox, treatment, sober living and getting reacclimated to society. 

Gregg Champion is a branding expert who has worked with top consumer brands, major television networks, and professional sports teams over the last 15 years. In the last few years, he has focused on selective start-up ventures as an investor, advisor, educator, and start-up coach.

Gregg is a TEDx speaker who has been in recovery for over 20 years after nearly ruining his life with drugs and alcohol. He got clean and sober in his early 20's with the help of Father Bill Wilson of La Jolla, who was Gregg's "Eskimo" to the rooms of AA.  Gregg brings unequivocal expertise, visibility, and acumen to recovery coaching. Policymakers, media personalities, and addiction experts recognize Gregg as a highly valued and trusted member of the recovery community. With the full support of the leadership of SOBA Recovery Center in Malibu, he developed a unique curriculum for the clinical groups he ran as a recovery coach. Over the past couple of years, he has taken on private clients in early sobriety as well as those with 10-plus years who feel "stuck in their lives" and in need of a breakthrough. Gregg continues to run high-end/high-energy groups, panels, and recovery retreats, most recently as a facilitator/recovery coach at Hotel California by the Sea recovery center in Newport Beach.

Gregg has helped, supported and career coached over 100 millennials to get their first job or internship in the "real world." Through his own vast experiences working with Fortune 500 brands, running his own companies, and fostering relationships with millennials at colleges and universities across the nation, he has developed a bulletproof playbook on how to land, keep, and thrive at your dream job. In June 2015, Gregg was named Mentor in Residence at USC's Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurship after serving as a co-teacher for a 400-level undergrad course on Venture Management within the Marshall School of Business.

Gregg, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters Elysse and Annabelle reside in Pacific Palisades.

Gregg founded START UP RECOVERY on the two things he knows best and loves most: startups and recovery. His daily mantra is "What can I do for you? I’m here to help." In the fall of 2017, START UP RECOVERY Transformational Living Center opened its doors with Gregg's vision of how to bring his unique Recovery Playbook to its residents on a daily basis - one day at a time.

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

For More on Gregg Champion https://www.startuprecovery.com/ 

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s⁠@painnonprofit ⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance had a discussion about the Family Summit on The Fentanyl Epidemic that Flindt attended which took place in Sacramento. Does Flindt think the fentanyl epidemic is getting the attention needed to correct course? 01:52 What are some of the challenges of prosecuting fentanyl dealers? 08:50 What are some of the biggest misunderstandings about addiction and cooccurring disorders? 14:30 Are overdoes down? If so does that mean addiction rates are lower? 21:03 How does a "fentanyl poisoning" and the language around it help litigation and be respectful of those who die from fentanyl? 32:00 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #sober #addiction #laugh

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s@painnonprofit Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance revisit some of our most comical moments of the 'Don't Hide The Scars' podcast with stand-up comedian Alozno Bodden, Tom Farley, brother of the late great Chris Farley, Adam Jablin, Mike Diamond and Gary Menkes of the Begin Again Podcast. Segment 1: Alonzo Bodden - Full Episode https://youtu.be/ryXd1fHqhrk 01:56 Segment 2: Tom Farley - Full Episode ⁠https://youtu.be/9_Wu-G6JbAU 06:59 Segment 3: Adam Jablin - Full Episode ⁠https://youtu.be/Z_onVvXdfag 15:45 Segment 4: Mike Diamond - Full Episode ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/qGkqbiMWck0 22:49 Segment 5: Gary Menkes - Full Episodes https://youtu.be/HG_J2pk4Idc 31:44 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ #sober #addiction #laugh

PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠⁠ Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sit down to discuss the recently published article, 'Most ruthless' Mexican cartels operate in all 50 states, bring turf wars to US: DEA, written by Chris Eberhart a crime and U.S. news reporter for Fox News Digital

Mexico's "most powerful and ruthless" cartels operate in all 50 states and clash in American cities, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in a May report.

The Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels have flooded major U.S. cities with meth and fentanyl and use violence to protect their turf, the report found. 

"The deadly reach of the Mexican Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels into U.S. communities is extended by the wholesale-level traffickers and street dealers bringing the cartels’ drugs to market, sometimes creating their own deadly drug mixtures," the DEA report says. "Together, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels have caused the worst drug crisis in U.S. history."

The DEA's National Drug Threat Assessment report details the cartels' leadership structures, the areas they control, how they operate and their global reach beyond Mexico and the U.S. 

Flindt and Jason discuss the following and more.

What states have the highest concentration of cartel activity? 00:57

What is the difference between a fentanyl overdose and a fentanyl poisoning? 07:05

What are more political leaders up in arms on the addiction crisis? 15:00

What role is human trafficking playing in this war between cartels? 32:35

Is the addiction crisis our number 1 epidemic? 33:43

For more on Achieve Greatness and Paula Young: ⁠www.achievegreatness88.org⁠

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠is honored to welcome Paula Young the Co-founder and President of Achieve Greatness and Andrew's mom.

Achieve Greatness was founded in memory of our beloved son, brother, and friend, Andrew, who passed away from fentanyl poisoning in March of 2022. Before Andrew’s passing, he was passionate about coaching and teaching basketball while helping youth in his community. He created Achieve Greatness, where he mentored youth through basketball.

In his memory, we have continued Achieve Greatness, building it into a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to continue to capture Andrew’s vision of sponsoring youth through basketball camps and other sports while also bringing awareness to and educating people about the dangers of fentanyl. In addition, we will also utilize our platform to address opioid use and addiction in our communities.

Paula Young, PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following and more.

What is the origins of Achieve Greatness and how does it honor Andrew's original vision ?

Is marijuana being laced with fentanyl?

What is the difference between a fentanyl overdose and a fentanyl poisoning?

Is enough being done to not only bring awareness to the fentanyl crisis, but addiction prevention and solutions as well?

What has Paula's experience been when dealing with legislators on fighting the fentanyl crisis?

For more on Achieve Greatness and Paula Young: www.achievegreatness88.org

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We here at PAIN⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit are honored to have welcomed Peter J. Forcelli, a recently retired Deputy Assistant Director of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where he served as head of training to the Don't Hide The Scars podcast.

Forcelli is a respected investigator noted for developing complex criminal investigations targeting armed gangs and criminal organizations. He has made over one thousand arrests and has served over three hundred search warrants. He is well regarded by those who have worked with him for his unwavering commitment to what he calls “investigative excellence.” His work in the investigation into the Neese Bello Organization led to members of the group pleading guilty to over 145 home-invasion-style robberies. Still, Forcelli is best known for his efforts to fight for justice in instances where he has uncovered injustice. He has been involved in the exoneration of eight people who were wrongfully arrested and convicted in the Bronx, New York, for murders they did not commit. Forcelli is also a cancer survivor—he developed lung cancer from the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He is a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. Peter, along with coauthor Keelin MacGregor wrote The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels. The book is a raw and unflinching account that details the harrowing journey for Peter as a whistleblower in the Fast and Furious federal scandal, Forcelli shows the public and personal cost of standing up for justice and public safety. Peter Forcelli, PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following and more.

Why did Peter know he had to shed light on the wrong doings are Operation Fast & Furious?

Flindt and Peter share their perspectives on why they think more isn't being done to target drug cartels?

Are we seeing a shift when it comes to public safety policy? We share our thoughts.

What was Peter's first hand experience as NYPD Officer and ATF in seeing shifts around public safety policy in the 1980's to now?

Flindt asks Peter "Is law enforcement engaged when it comes to the addiction crisis and how do they handle the constraints put upon them?"

For more on Peter Forcelli: https://www.peterjforcelli.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down to discuss the upcoming Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 7th and topics around fentanyl, the addiction crisis and what we think some people may not understand about addiction itself. As well as touching on the societal, economic and political challenges that make it hard to help suffering addicts.

Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following topics and more.

Are people getting all of the information that they need when it comes to facts about addiction? 02:22 Are some harm reduction methods and housing provisions possibly hindering suffering addicts from seeking sobriety? 09:36 Is there a shift coming with the political climate due to policy failing to help fight the addiction crisis? 17:00 Are we seeing less reporting of fentanyl overdoses as fentanyl becomes the drug addicts are seeking out? 26:40 Are harm reduction programs preventing that suffering addict from having to do the work to improve their lives, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually? 35:29

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠

PAIN⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠⁠⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down California Assemblyman Jim Patterson to discuss Assembly Bill 3171 with he originally introduced. And recently has been reauthored by Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria to Hold Fentanyl Traffickers Accountable by increasing the punishment for selling more than 28 grams of fentanyl. It escalates the prison sentence from up to four years to up to 9. We also discuss a bill that Jim has been able to push through for greater penalties for human traffickers that includes restitution for their victims. This includes their therapeutic needs as well as financially which would come from their trafficker.

We also discuss other areas of public safety that must be addressed and why there is a shifting tied when it comes to elected officials view on failed public safety policies.

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#wedorecover #growth #changeyourlife

PAIN⁠ @painnonprofit ⁠Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down to discuss California Assembly Bill 3171, authored by Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria to Hold Fentanyl Traffickers Accountable by increasing the punishment for selling more than 28 grams of fentanyl. It escalates the prison sentence from up to four years to up to 9. The bill is as follows: Existing law classifies controlled substances into 5 schedules and places the greatest restrictions and penalties on the use of those substances placed in Schedule I. Existing law classifies the drug fentanyl in Schedule II. Existing law makes possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of sale of the substance punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period of 2, 3, or 4 years. Existing law makes transportation and sales of a controlled substances punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period of 3, 4, or 5 years and transportation to a noncontiguous county within the state punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period of 3, 6, or 9 years.

This bill would increase the above-described penalties, as specified, if the controlled substance involved was more than more than 28.35 grams of fentanyl, more than 28.35 grams of an analog of fentanyl, a substance containing more than 28.35 grams of fentanyl, or a substance containing more than 28.35 grams of an analog of fentanyl. By increasing the penalty for a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following topics and more.

We give created to Assemblyman Jim Patterson who has been behind and in support of many bills to combat fentanyl. 01:33

Will this bill have a large impact on the fentanyl crisis? 06:37

Flindt and Jason question why there isn't more resources going towards addiction recovery programs. 14:14

Are we in the "War On Recovery"? 23:02

Are politicians finally gaining a greater understanding of addiction? 29:09

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#wedorecover #growth #changeyourlife

PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @painnonprofit Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sit down to discuss the U.S. Department of Justice charging five people in connection to Matthew Perry's death last October including a former movie director, two doctors, his live-in assistant and a drug dealer known as the "The Ketamine Queen" of North Hollywood.

At a press conference Thursday, Martin Estrada, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, announced several charges against five defendants who allegedly "knew what they were doing was wrong" and "tried to cover up what they did." He added that the defendants cared more about profiting off Perry than his well-being and warned others engaging with similar actions. For the full story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/16/matthew-perry-death-investigation-ketamine-defendants-charged/74821224007/ As well they discuss how legislation, the lack there of and insurance companies are making more difficult for reputable addition treatment facilities and recovery advocates to be able to truly help suffering addicts and their loved ones. On this topic Flindt and Jason discuss the following and more. Intro 00:00 What are the facts surrounding the arrests in Matthew Perry's death? 01:40 How has fentanyl transformed the reality of addiction in a way we've never seen? 03:00 Discussion about other celebrities such as Michael Jackson & Prince who died of addiction. 07:10 How is Doctor shopping for ones addiction not totally prevented? Flindt Andersen shares. 12:40 What is the Granville 'Home Of Hope' and how can you win your dream home? 19:28 Flindt and Jason discuss the dangers of irresponsible long-term medication assisted treatment and body brokers? 22:31 Is the fentanyl and overdose crisis an attack on the United States? Flindt and Jason share their perspective. 34:00 What is the Granville 'Home Of Hope' and how can you win your dream home? 50:33 For more on the Granville Home Of Hope: ⁠⁠⁠https://gvhomeofhope.com/⁠⁠⁠ or call our office at 559-579-1551 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN @painnonprofit Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest, Brian McAlister of @MyMentalHealthInc .

Brian McAlister is a transformational figure who emerged from a 20-year battle with addiction and alcoholism, embarking on a remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.

Initiated on August 2, 1990, his holistic approach to recovery extends beyond sobriety, encompassing career success, financial stability, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth. Brian's transformation from addict to corporate leader and entrepreneur led to the creation of the Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, "Full Recovery," and the establishment of the Full Recovery Wellness Center.

Committed to revolutionizing mental health, he introduced innovative solutions such as Freedom 365 and My Mental Health Nonprofit to make treatment accessible to all. Brian's belief in the teachability of full recovery and his exploration of groundbreaking approaches to mental health continue to inspire and transform lives.

Brian McAlister, Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following topics and more.

How can we manage the "ISMS" of sobriety? 02:16

Why do we keep doing more of what isn't working when it comes to helping the suffering addict? 15:13

Why is it important to show addicts early in recovery that there is a prosperous way of life? 21:09

Are we in the "War On Recovery"? 33:51

How to we get more people to listen to those in long-term recovery when it comes to policy aimed to fight addiction? 44:28

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Brian McAlister.:

Book https://www.amazon.com/Full-Recovery-Recovering-Persons-Unleashing/dp/0982394829Brian

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcalister/

https://www.facebook.com/BrianMcAlisterAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/brianmcalister_/

Websites of Company and Nonprofit

https://www.vrsfreedom365.com/

https://www.mymentalhealth.org/

#wedorecover #growth #changeyourlife

 @painnonprofit  Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down for a one on one conversation to discuss the evolution of policy in the addiction crisis that we are begging to see. But is it enough to help those suffering from addiction and their loved ones? We converse about the following topics and more. Intro 00:00 Are we in the War on Recovery as long-term harm reduction is becoming more of the norm ? 01:10 Why do we say there's no such a thing as "safe supply" when it comes to illicit drugs in any situation? 08:26 Have private citizens had enough of the decriminalization around illicit drugs? 18:30 Why aren't policy makers working directly with those who have long-term sobriety in combating the addiction crisis? 34:43 Why do we here at PAIN invest in people, families and communities? 43:33 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN  @painnonprofit Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest Susan Bartz Herrick, MFA, EdD. The writer of the compelling non-fiction memoir, "Slow Dancing with the Devil: A Son’s Substance Use Disorder, A Mother’s Anguish," available from McFarland Books. "Slow Dancing with the Devil" is a powerful narrative that delves into Susan's personal journey alongside her son, Luke, who tragically fell victim to addiction. As a highly accredited retired Professor and former Community Liaison Specialist, Susan sheds light on critical issues surrounding substance use disorder (SUD), negligent medical treatment, pharmaceutical practices, and stigmatized public policies. Luke's Story: Luke's struggle with addiction, despite defying the damaging "addict stereotype," mirrors the challenges faced by countless individuals. His story is not just one of personal tragedy but a reflection of the broader opioid epidemic and the fentanyl crisis that has affected nearly every family in the U.S. Susan Bartz Herrick, Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discuss the following topics and more. Intro 00:00 How can we communicate facts about addiction so that itis more comprehendible? 03:00 When did opioids and substance use enter Susan's son Luke's life? 17:42 How do we overcome the stigma of addiction and reach policy makers to change how we help the addict and families in need? 37:05 Will it take a celebrity name to come forward to reach politicians and inspire change around helping addicts seek sobriety? 47:24 Why do we caution against long-term harm reduction, and only see it as a last resort ? 55:51 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Susan Bartz Herrick and "Slow Dancing with the Devil": ⁠https://www.susanbartzherrick.com/ https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/slow-dancing-with-the-devil/ #sober #sobriety #addiction

PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest Steve Adami executive director of The Way Out, a recovery-focused homeless initiative of The Salvation Army San Francisco.

After spending over two decades in and out of jails and prison my life changed. My recovery and transformation started in a pair of handcuffs. After being released from prison in December 2010, I earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration (Public Policy/Criminal Justice); was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, a National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration; and received the Barbra Jordan Award for Academic Excellence from San Francisco State University. In 2014 I was hired by the San Francisco Adult Probation Department as a Reentry Services Coordinator, promoted to a managerial position in 2017, and was appointed the Director of the Reentry Division in 2020. In this role I designed and managed a portfolio of 20 million dollars of reentry and recovery-focused programs, and managed San Francisco's Reentry Council and Community Corrections Partnership. In May 2023, I was appointed the Executive Director of The Way Out, a recovery-focused homeless initiative of The Salvation Army. Steve, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more. What is the origins of The Way Out and its services? 01:30 How is The Way Out combating the overwhelming addict issues in San Francisco? 15:00 Why don't the majority of radical harm-reduction advocated supporting abstinence based recovery? 23:00 Why aren't people being told the all the facts about the side effects of long-term harm reduction? 46:00 Why we need to put our efforts behind programs behind that promote abstinence based recovery and independence ? 52:48 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Richard Steve Adami and The Way Out: ⁠

https://www.steveadami.com/

https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/san_francisco/the-way-out/ #sober #sobriety #addiction

PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down for a one on one conversation to discuss some various topics that include PAIN's expansion and growing initiatives.

We converse about the various school districts that PAIN has provided Narcan (Naloxone) the life saving opioid overdose to, and why we think more aren't replying to our offering to provide it free to everyone of their classrooms. We also discuss the plans to bring PAIN's services to more communities in California which includes Los Angles amongst others. Part of this expansion includes two new members to our Board Of Directors, Tim Ryan and Dan Karaty.

We also talk about those who can afford treatment and those who can't and what similar circumstances these individuals face that are similar and different post their stay in an addiction recovery treatment center.

What positive changes and additions are coming to PAIN? 01:10

Addicts are searching out Fentanyl? 06:37

The wealthy/famous addiction and their recovery struggles due to their wealth and fame. 12:40

How vital is the aftercare process for addicts in recovery after they leave a treatment center? 25:36

Can legislators have a greater impact on helping addicts in the recovery process? 36:40

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest Richard Gallardo Ozuna.

Richard Gallardo Ozuna, is a 60 years old model, actor, and motivational speaker. Richard will celebrate 21 years of sobriety on April 10th, 2024. Richard proudly shares his recovery journey on social media, to empower those who are struggling from alcohol or drug addiction, letting them know they are not alone.

Richard, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more.

Why does Richard give his addiction and recovery story humor? 04:00

What was Richard's final moment of clarity that started his sober journey? 10:37

What helped Richard ditch the victim mentality? 16:00

How did Richard begin to let go of the shame and guilt of his actions in active addiction? 31:36

Why did Richard's recovery journey eventually leave the rooms of 12-step meetings? 44:16

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Richard Gallardo Ozuna:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071396264552

https://www.instagram.com/richard_gallardo_ozuna/

https://richardgallardoozu.wixsite.com/portfolio

#sober #sobriety #addiction

PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest  @SheriffThaddeusCleveland . Mr. Cleveland is the Sheriff for Terrell County, Texas. He was first appointed as Sheriff on May 17, 2022 and later elected into office. Sheriff Cleveland spent just over 26 years in the United States Border Patrol and the last 11 years of his career as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Sanderson Border Patrol Station.

Sheriff Cleveland entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 26, 1996, as a member of Class 300. His first duty assignment as a Border Patrol agent was at the Nogales Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector. Since his entry into the U.S. Border Patrol, Sheriff Cleveland served as a Border Patrol Agent at Sierra Blanca, Texas, a Senior Patrol Agent at Eagle Pass, Texas, a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent at Douglas, Arizona and Artesia, New Mexico. He has also served as a Field Operations Supervisor at Naco, Arizona and Alpine, Texas. Sheriff Cleveland served as an Assistant Chief in Washington, D.C. at the Office of Border Patrol as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner’s Office of Anti-Terrorism and Office of State, Local and Tribal Liaison. Sheriff Cleveland served six months alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, Texas as the Border Patrol Staff Officer at the Texas Homeland Security Border Security Operations Center (BSOC). As the Staff Officer, he served as the single point of contact between the BSOC, the Border Patrol Sectors and the Office of Border Patrol in Washington, D.C. Sheriff Cleveland also served as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Advisor to U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) in support of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) assistance to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Humanitarian Crisis at the Southwest Border with Mexico. Sheriff Cleveland synchronized DHS’ requests for assistance to the Humanitarian Crisis and guided the operationalization of DoD plans to support CBP. Prior to joining the Border Patrol, Sheriff Cleveland served in the U.S. Air Force. Sheriff Cleveland served eight years as member of the Terrell County Independent School District Board of Trustees, four of which were as President of the Board. Sheriff Cleveland also served on the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District as well as the Terrell County Appraisal District Board of Directors. Sheriff Cleveland has successfully coordinated operations in Terrell County with Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Military Forces and the U.S. Border Patrol. In addition to this, Sheriff Cleveland has increased communications and support from neighboring counties also focusing on border security. Sheriff Cleveland, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more. Intro 00:00 What is Sheriff Cleveland seeing at the Texas border? 02:00 What is the Sheriff seeing crime rate wise due to the border policies? 12:00 Foreign policy and other Nations attacking America without an armed war? 27:20 What is the Sherriff's perspective on interdiction? 43:10 Are cartels threatening individuals and their loved ones lives to bring drugs over the border? 47:54 For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland: Facebook: Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland Instagram: Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland Linkedin: Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland TikTok: Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland X: @ThadforTexas #sober #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with special guest Joey Guerriero, a remarkable individual who has triumphed over the depths of opioid addiction and found his path to recovery. In this thought-provoking episode, Joey opens up about his journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced, the turning points that led him towards recovery and redemption, and many of his concerns about many of the long-term harm reduction modalities. Joey, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more. Intro 00:00 What was Joey's personal experience with Suboxone? 02:47 How did psychological factors effect Joey in his opioid addiction? 15:09 How vital was aftercare and 12 Step groups to Joey's addiction recovery? 23:26 Did growing up during the War On Drugs era have an impact on youth abstinence? 43:40 Is Government ignoring the real problems helping addicts in need or is a situation of following the money? 55:17 For more on Joey Guerriero: https://www.instagram.com/j.guerriero56/ For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #sober #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Council member representing District 2.

Mr. Karbassi states, "As your city councilmember, it is my honor to serve you. Being born and raised in District 2 and a second-generation small business owner, my family is personally invested in our community. I cherish our neighborhoods in northwest Fresno.

As your councilmember, my priorities are public safety, economic development, and maintaining neighborhood infrastructure and quality of life.

We must do more to ensure the safety of our community. That’s why public safety is my number one priority. Our Police and Fire departments must have the resources necessary to keep us safe.

As a small business owner, I’ve had to balance a budget, hire employees, and deal with bureaucracy. I strongly support fiscally responsible policies and balanced budgets. Government cannot be an impediment to economic expansion. I pledge to fight red tape so we can create more jobs and increase opportunities for small businesses and working families.

Fresno also needs to reinvest in our infrastructure. We need synchronized traffic signals, safer routes to schools, and to complete Veteran’s Boulevard.

These are just some of our office’s priorities. We welcome your input. Your ideas and suggestions will go a long way to help us support policies and actions that will increase the quality of life for northwest Fresno’s residents and businesses. We are here to serve you."

Mike, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more.

Intro 00:00

Why removing ego as a politician benefits constituents? 02:20

Why is it so challenging to get Narcan and addiction education in local schools? 07:00

What are some of the signs of teen substance use and abuse? 21:19

How can we help the youth and parents take accountability for educating themselves on addiction? 42:20

Helping Non-addicts understand addiction? 49:00

For more on Mike Karbassi: ⁠https://mikeforfresno.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Michelle Curiel of @thesobrietyplaybook.

Michelle was in active alcoholism and drug addiction for 2.5 decades. Around the age of 37 she overdosed on what she thought was heroin, but it was actually fentanyl and she flatlined.

Michelle had just sold the keys to her apartment to a drug dealer and prior to overdosing at her parents house she was living on a trap house floor. She continued to relapse and was on deaths doorstep due to health issues that were compounded by her addiction.

With the help of the 12 step program and her higher power, she was able to get me sober and remain sober since August 8 of 2019.

Michelle has devoted her life to being of service to the sobriety community by creating sobriety and spiritual awakening content on YouTube , Instagram and TikTok. She teaches from the big book of alcoholics anonymous, the 12 steps and 12 traditions, the daily reflections, as Bill See’s it, Blessed and unstoppable, Buddhism and more.

Michelle states that she has found that a large percentage of people in recovery are very spiritually gifted, but they don't know how to harness their power. She is here to teach them how to do so.

Michelle, Flindt and Jason discuss the following topics and more.

How can we support others in their sobriety when they can't see how far they've come? 02:20

How can we help people understand the importance of working their sobriety? 07:30

What is Michelle's approach to making amends? 13:15

Why is written journaling so important in recovery? 34:17

In our views, what is the difference between a slip-up and relapse? 053:09

For more on Michelle Curiel: ⁠https://poplme.co/hash/jU7Mp7bB/1/s

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#sober #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @painnonprofit  Founder Flindt Andersen and Media Director Jason LaChance sat down with the Executive Chairman of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa Richard Taite.

Richard has developed a uniquely successful treatment protocol which includes specific evidence-based interventions based on the Stages of Change behavioral model. Dedicated to helping addicts overcome their addictions so they can lead their best lives, Richard is a hands-on Chairman overseeing daily operations. Richard practices what he preaches with regard to addiction recovery - completing a rigorous schedule of exercise, yoga, meditation, therapy, acupuncture, and self-reflection to maintain his sobriety. Richard, Flindt and Jason discuss the following and more.

Do we need treatment reform to address the fentanyl and overdose crisis? 01:22

Does the average person under the expenses a treatment facility has to keep their doors open? 09:00

What is the Granville 'Home Of Hope' and how can you win your dream home? 12:55

How can loved ones sabotage early recovery for the suffering addict? 18:00

Overdose is the #1 killer in the United states, why aren't more people outraged? 13:46

We're out of time, fentanyl doesn't discriminate and overdose is the #1 killer in the United States. 23:40

Are politicians looking out for the best interest of Citizens and public safety when it comes to policy? 33:50

What are the goals of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa? 45:40

For more on the Granville Home Of Hope:

⁠⁠⁠https://gvhomeofhope.com/⁠⁠⁠ or call our office at 559-579-1551

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information on Richard Taite and Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa. https://carraratreatment.com/

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with David Tangipa , a candidate for the California State Assembly. David Tangipa is a San Joaquin Valley native. A proud, first-generation American and son of a veteran, David was born and raised in Sacramento and has lived his entire adult life in Fresno. He attended Fresno State and played tight end for the Bulldogs where he learned the importance of discipline, hard work, and spirit of the Central Valley. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminology, as well as a master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing, David embarked on a career to help people live the American dream of owning a home. He currently works in real estate for Modern Broker Inc and is the Field Representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig. David is passionate about serving his community and is involved with Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame, Fresno State Bulldog Foundation, and Fresno State Football Alumni. Flindt, Jason and David discuss the following topics and more. Intro 00:00

How did David's upbringing give him a real-world view of addiction? 3:36

Why does David think accountability is an aspect of the addiction crisis? 11:38

What David sees in the youth is due to social impact. 27:06

David's perspective on how socially we can support long-term recovery? 45:15

How can we help with the underlying issues that lead to addiction? 01:32:00

For more on David Tangipa: ⁠https://www.davidtangipaforassembly.com/ For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #sober #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Darren Prince, is the International Best Selling author of his memoir Aiming High.

Darren is a prominent sports and celebrity agent and global advocate for addiction, mental health and recovery. Through his agency, Prince Marketing Group, he represents icons Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Jerry West, Dominique Wilkins, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Chevy Chase, Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards, Carmen Electra, and many others as well as having worked with the late Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali and Evel Knievel.

Prince started his 501(c)3 Aiming High Foundation where 100% of the proceeds provide treatment for those suffering. He has become a highly sought-after speaker on addiction recovery and mental health. He specializes in helping high functioning addicts and at-risk executives to identify and avoid the pitfalls of addiction and working with teens on self-esteem and self-worth. Flindt, Jason and Darren discuss the following topics and more.

Intro 00:00 Why did Darren start a nonprofit? 2:13

Why does Darren prefer speaking to a smaller audience about recovery? 5:54

How did and does Darren keep his ego in check? 11:55

What was Darren's moment of surrender, and asking for help? 23:58

What is Darren's personal experience with harm reduction? 39:52

For more on Darren Prince: https://officialdarrenprince.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #recovery #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Julian Carvajal. A young man in recovery who struggled with various substances including fentanyl.

Flindt, Jason and Julian discuss various topics that include his perspective on short-term vs long-term harm reduction. We question is we're past the fentanyl awareness aspect of advocacy and it's time to have solid solutions for treatment and the overdose death rates continue to rise.

We discuss all of those topics and more.

Intro 00:00 Short-term vs Long-term harm reduction 2:30

Is it time to do more than just talking about fentanyl? 17:00

Where are public funds going with awareness campaigns and state funded addiction treatment? 33:15

We must acknowledge that homeless addicts came from somewhere. Do you wonder about their history? 27:30

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ #recovery #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down to discuss the controversial topic of long-term Vs short-term harm reduction. Flindt and Jason dive into the the benefits of medication assisted treatment, but present the side effects of long term harm reduction medication use.

As well they question why those who achieved their sobriety through abstinence based recovery would encourage others to use a long term method that can include never easing use of medications such as methadone or suboxone.

We discuss the following and more.

Intro 00:00

Are we advocating about the right things concerning addiction? 3:00

Why are people in the treatment industry supporting long-term harm reduction? 10:00

How is data showing the fentanyl doesn't discriminate? 16:00

There is two types of treatment, what are they? 27:30

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠ #recovery #harmreduction #addiction

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with two gentlemen Danny and Howie who are at various points in their recovery. They are house mates in in the same sober living as well as attending group meetings together.

Flindt and Jason ask Danny and Howie the fallowing questions and more.

How vital has sober living been for your recovery?

What were your personal experience with fentanyl?

What is your history of substance use and did trauma relate to your decision making?

How has your life change in sobriety?

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠ ⁠jason@painnonprofit.org

⁠⁠⁠#sober #addiction #hope

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s ⁠⁠@painnonprofit ⁠⁠ Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down to review the 2023 Don't Hide The Scars episodes. They talk about segments from episodes that received the most feedback, questions and listens for the year.

Segment 1: Dan Karaty on establishing a support system to address addiction the aftercare process.

Full Episode

Part 1 https://youtu.be/Mk5h9CoGQI0?feature=shared

Part 2 https://youtu.be/AISm1vmGi3U

Segment 2: Mike Diamond on misconceptions about interventions, sobriety and the changed family dynamic

Full Episode https://youtu.be/qGkqbiMWck0

Segment 3: Mark Gantt on being sober is just the start of recovery and confronting addiction to money and entering deters anonymous.

Full Episode https://youtu.be/RZkK6H7ygQo

Segment 4: Allie Severino on how treatment centers aren’t being given the time and support from insurance to address the ever evolving illicit drug supply and harm reduction advocates preventing homeless from getting any kind of treatment.

Full Episode ⁠https://youtu.be/T0GHuS3sixg

Segment 5: Tom Wolf on getting someone to purse recovery, the results of long term harm reduction and the lack of real opportunity for recovery.

Full Episodes

⁠⁠https://youtu.be/zHsxWBgnaLg

https://youtu.be/5MvUY_KZ4EA

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠⁠ ⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠⁠ #sober #addiction #hope

PAIN: Parents & Addicts in Need’s ⁠@painnonprofit ⁠ Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down for a one on one conversation to discuss the recent autopsy report on Matthew Perry's unfortunate passing and in light of what the toxicology revealed we wanted to converse about the findings as well as clarify what Ketamine is.

A Massachusetts doctor Scott Hadland, who is an addiction specialist, is speaking out about Matthew Perry's autopsy report, explaining how ketamine played a key role in his death.

According to the autopsy report, obtained by The Blast, Matthew Perry died from "acute effects of the drug Ketamine." The autopsy report also stated that Perry was utilizing Ketamine therapy at the time of his death for anxiety and depression, however, his last known treatment overseen by a medical professional was over one week before he passed.

Dr. Hadland spoke on these results, claiming that because his last known treatment was over a week before he passed, Perry must have taken ketamine at home, separate from his ongoing ketamine therapy treatments. This indicates the chilling detail that Perry most likely relapsed, and was abusing the drug and taking it recreationally.

Flindt and Jason also discuss tools and tips for staying sober this holiday season especially for those new to sobriety. These tips include staying connected to the sober community, communicating the support needed from loved ones and not feeling the pressures of gift giving or being anything other than yourself. For more on Parents & Addicts In Need: If you or a loved ones need our services, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on Flindt Andersen, to have him speak at your organization visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.flindtandersen.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share your thoughts with us and topics you'd like to see discussed on PAIN's Don't Hide The Scars Podcast by leaving a comment or emailing⁠ ⁠jason@painnonprofit.org⁠⁠ #sober #addiction #hope